Hunt for Trolls + Stay on Iowa’s Only Island: A Weekend Getaway to Clinton and Sabula, Iowa
If you are looking for a unique Iowa road trip that involves hunting for giant trolls, sipping coffee, wandering local shops, eating really good food and waking up on the Mississippi River, add Clinton and Sabula, Iowa to your Midwest bucket list.
I recently headed east for a girls’ getaway, and this little corner of Iowa is filled with so much to do!
Our home base was Sabula, Iowa, known as Iowa’s only island city, located about 20 miles north of Clinton. From there, we spent our time exploring along the Mississippi River, hunting for trolls in Clinton, popping into locally owned shops and restaurants, visiting a winery and taking all the scenic routes.
Driving the river roads, crossing back and forth over the Mississippi and exploring the small towns on both the Iowa and Illinois sides of the river is part of the adventure. Between the bluffs, river views, farm stands and tiny downtowns, there were moments when I had to remind myself that we were still in Iowa.
If you are planning a girls’ trip in Iowa, couples getaway, family road trip or unique Midwest weekend getaway, here is how to plan a trip to Clinton and Sabula.
Hunt for the Clinton, Iowa Trolls
The trolls are definitely one of the most unique things to do in Clinton, Iowa. There are four trolls to find in the Clinton area. Some trolls are easier to spot than others. One requires a little more exploring, so wear comfortable shoes and embrace the hunt!
Locations of the Thomas Dambo Trolls:
- Bickelhaupt Arboretum
- Outside near the Sawhill Museum. If you have time explore the museum too! This is a great spot for kids to play and learn the story of Clinton’s lumber history and its connection to the Mississippi River.
- The old Train Depot at 60 4th Avenue S. Bonus, there is an all inclusive playground right across the street along the river.
- Eagle Point Park – This one is a bit hidden. You will follow a short trail of approximately 0.25 miles to find it hidden among the trees. Make sure you wear some sturdy shoes! While you are in the park make sure you stop and take in the scenic views of the Mississippi River and the beautiful stone castle-like structure.
Tip: Save the official Thomas Dambo Troll website and Troll Map before you go!
Beyond the Trolls in Clinton, Iowa
Instead of simply driving from one to the next, make a day of it. Clinton has embraced the troll theme, and you will even find troll-inspired treats and menu items around town.
Moxi on Main
Address: 122 Main Avenue in Clinton
Coffee + trolls? Obviously, this needed to be a stop. Moxi on Main gets into the troll-hunting fun with a troll-inspired menu. It is a great place to grab a coffee or specialty drink before heading out on your adventure. I started my day with an iced Grumpy Troll Cold Brew. It was perfect for the hot day!
Find the Ghostbusters Mural
Address: Near the intersection of 6th Avenue South and South 2nd Street in Downtown Clinton
Keep your eyes open around the Sawmill Museum because there is more to see outside!
The Ghostbusters mural makes a fun photo stop, and there are additional murals around the building. I am always a fan of public art when exploring a new town because it gives you an excuse to slow down and notice things you might otherwise drive right past. Learn more about the murals and Paint It Back here.
7 Hills Brewing Company South
Address: 238 4th Avenue S in Clinton
After a morning of troll hunting and exploring, you are going to be ready for lunch. 7 Hills Brewing Company South offers a full menu, beer, an arcade and a fun outdoor patio. What makes it really unique is it is in an old church! This is truly a unique experience you wont find anywhere else in Iowa.
Sweetheart Bakery
Address: 245 Main Avenue in Clinton
You cannot go on a troll hunt without troll cookies! Add Sweetheart Bakery to your Clinton itinerary for baked goods and adorable troll cookies. It makes for a fun treat during your hunt and, of course, you may need a few extras for the drive home.
Wide River Winery
Address: 1776 E Deer Creek Road in Clinton
For a slower afternoon stop, head to Wide River Winery. The beautiful patio tucked among the trees is reason enough to visit. Grab a glass of wine, find a spot outside and enjoy not having anywhere else you need to be for a little while.
North End Sweets & Treats
Address: 278 31st Avenue N in Clinton
There is always room for ice cream on a road trip. Add North End Sweets & Treats to your list when you need an afternoon sugar stop. Troll hunting is hard work, after all.
Stay on Iowa’s Only Island in Sabula, Iowa
Here is what really made this trip special. Instead of staying directly in Clinton, we headed about 20 miles north and made Sabula, Iowa our home base.
Sabula is known as Iowa’s only island city, sitting right in the Mississippi River. It is tiny, quaint and exactly the type of unexpected Iowa destination I love discovering. Our accommodations made the whole experience even better!
Stay in a Floating Cottage at Island City Harbor
We stayed in a floating cottage at Island City Harbor, and this was one of the highlights of our girls’ getaway.
On one side of the cottage is the marina. Walk out the other direction and you can head onto the dock and sit right along the Mississippi River. This was a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise over the river while sipping coffee.
We could sit outside and watch birds fly overhead, see huge cargo vessels moving along the Mississippi and simply enjoy how peaceful everything felt. The cottage even had an enclosed deck, so you did not feel like you were being attacked by bugs.
The floating cottage would be perfect for a girls’ trip, couples getaway or small family. It gave us a relaxing home base while still keeping us close enough to spend the day exploring Clinton and the surrounding Mississippi River communities.
Guests can also rent kayaks, grab fishing gear and enjoy even more time on the water.
Island City Café
Start your morning with breakfast at Island City Café. A delicious small-town breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring is exactly what an Iowa road trip calls for.
Sip & Stitch
Coffee, gifts AND crafting? Yes, please.
Sip & Stitch is another fun Sabula stop where you can grab coffee, browse gifts and get crafty. Give yourself time to browse instead of rushing in and out.